Train GraphicClick on the map to explore geographics
 
I need help
FAQ
Emergency
About .
Travel & transport from BBC stories as at 15:15 29 Mar 2024
* Delays at Dover as millions begin Easter getaway
- Attempted murder charge after man stabbed on train
* A view from inside ship that hit Baltimore bridge
Read about the forum [here].
Register [here] - it's free.
What do I gain from registering? [here]
 02/06/24 - Summer Timetable starts
17/08/24 - Bus to Imber
27/09/25 - 200 years of passenger trains

On this day
29th Mar (1913)
Foundation of National Union or Railwaymen (*)

Train RunningCancelled
13:15 London Paddington to Cardiff Central
14:57 Bedwyn to Newbury
15:14 Swindon to Westbury
15:22 Newbury to Bedwyn
15:28 Weston-Super-Mare to London Paddington
15:50 Bedwyn to Newbury
15:54 Cardiff Central to London Paddington
16:15 Newbury to Bedwyn
16:23 Westbury to Swindon
16:55 Bedwyn to Newbury
17:24 Newbury to Bedwyn
17:29 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington
17:36 Swindon to Westbury
18:04 Bedwyn to Newbury
18:26 Newbury to Bedwyn
18:37 Westbury to Swindon
18:55 Bedwyn to Newbury
19:02 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads
19:24 Newbury to Bedwyn
19:55 Bedwyn to Newbury
20:13 Swindon to Westbury
20:49 Newbury to Bedwyn
21:16 Westbury to Swindon
21:16 Bedwyn to Newbury
21:53 Newbury to Bedwyn
22:25 Bedwyn to Newbury
22:30 Swindon to Westbury
Short Run
13:10 Gloucester to Weymouth
13:42 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington
13:55 Paignton to London Paddington
14:36 London Paddington to Paignton
15:28 London Paddington to Weston-Super-Mare
15:42 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington
16:35 London Paddington to Plymouth
16:50 Plymouth to London Paddington
17:03 London Paddington to Penzance
17:36 London Paddington to Plymouth
18:03 London Paddington to Penzance
18:29 Weston-Super-Mare to London Paddington
18:36 London Paddington to Plymouth
19:04 Paignton to London Paddington
20:03 London Paddington to Plymouth
21:04 London Paddington to Plymouth
Delayed
10:04 London Paddington to Penzance
10:20 Penzance to London Paddington
12:03 London Paddington to Penzance
12:15 Penzance to London Paddington
13:03 London Paddington to Plymouth
13:15 Plymouth to London Paddington
13:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern
14:03 London Paddington to Penzance
14:15 Penzance to London Paddington
15:03 London Paddington to Penzance
15:15 Plymouth to London Paddington
16:03 London Paddington to Penzance
16:15 Penzance to London Paddington
etc
PollsOpen and recent polls
Closed 2024-03-25 Easter Escape - to where?
Abbreviation pageAcronymns and abbreviations
Stn ComparatorStation Comparator
Rail newsNews Now - live rail news feed
Site Style 1 2 3 4
Next departures • Bristol Temple MeadsBath SpaChippenhamSwindonDidcot ParkwayReadingLondon PaddingtonMelksham
Exeter St DavidsTauntonWestburyTrowbridgeBristol ParkwayCardiff CentralOxfordCheltenham SpaBirmingham New Street
March 29, 2024, 15:21:48 *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Forgotten your username or password? - get a reminder
Most recently liked subjects
[165] 2024 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury...
[71] Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption el...
[52] Who needs a travel agent these days?
[38] Travel for free on the m2 metrobus - Bristol - 4,5,6 April 202...
[30] would you like your own LIVE train station departure board?
[28] West Wiltshire Bus Changes April 2024
 
News: A forum for passengers ... with input from rail professionals welcomed too
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: 1 ... 8 9 [10] 11
  Print  
Author Topic: Rail Strike Looming  (Read 11734 times)
TaplowGreen
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 7750



View Profile
« Reply #135 on: June 08, 2022, 18:12:51 »

Whilst it may lead to further disruption in the short term I do hope TOCs (Train Operating Company)/NR» (Network Rail - home page) suspend overtime and rest day working during the dispute. If employees want to withdraw their labour then they shouldn't be given the opportunity to make up for lost earnings.

I'm actually surprised that the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) didn't opt for 'Action short of a strike' (i.e an overtime and rest day working ban) as that would have been far more effective as it is not so easy to plan against. More trains would run so the public wouldn't be quite so inconvenienced and it would not generate as much negative publicity.

Not dramatic enough for Lynch and his mob (see what I did there? ;-) ), their political agenda wants and needs the visible confrontation.

Negative publicity isn't something that bothers them, having just heard Lynch ranting on the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) that much is clear.

There are many decent Trade Unionists who do a vital job. Sadly the RMT Leadership are not amongst them.

They will fail, and they may well drag their industry and their members down with them.

« Last Edit: June 08, 2022, 18:26:35 by TaplowGreen » Logged
Electric train
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4356


The future is 25000 Volts AC 750V DC has its place


View Profile
« Reply #136 on: June 11, 2022, 19:06:22 »

Whilst it may lead to further disruption in the short term I do hope TOCs (Train Operating Company)/NR» (Network Rail - home page) suspend overtime and rest day working during the dispute. If employees want to withdraw their labour then they shouldn't be given the opportunity to make up for lost earnings.

I'm actually surprised that the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) didn't opt for 'Action short of a strike' (i.e an overtime and rest day working ban) as that would have been far more effective as it is not so easy to plan against. More trains would run so the public wouldn't be quite so inconvenienced and it would not generate as much negative publicity.

Not dramatic enough for Lynch and his mob (see what I did there? ;-) ), their political agenda wants and needs the visible confrontation.

Negative publicity isn't something that bothers them, having just heard Lynch ranting on the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) that much is clear.

There are many decent Trade Unionists who do a vital job. Sadly the RMT Leadership are not amongst them.

They will fail, and they may well drag their industry and their members down with them.



The Union's are going to use the ongoing trouble at air and sea ports during the summer holidays to their advantage, especially as the Government are sitting on the hands regarding the problems with airlines etc blaming overbooking as the problem ..................
Logged

Starship just experienced what we call a rapid unscheduled disassembly, or a RUD, during ascent,”
TaplowGreen
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 7750



View Profile
« Reply #137 on: June 11, 2022, 20:16:48 »

Whilst it may lead to further disruption in the short term I do hope TOCs (Train Operating Company)/NR» (Network Rail - home page) suspend overtime and rest day working during the dispute. If employees want to withdraw their labour then they shouldn't be given the opportunity to make up for lost earnings.

I'm actually surprised that the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) didn't opt for 'Action short of a strike' (i.e an overtime and rest day working ban) as that would have been far more effective as it is not so easy to plan against. More trains would run so the public wouldn't be quite so inconvenienced and it would not generate as much negative publicity.

Not dramatic enough for Lynch and his mob (see what I did there? ;-) ), their political agenda wants and needs the visible confrontation.

Negative publicity isn't something that bothers them, having just heard Lynch ranting on the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) that much is clear.

There are many decent Trade Unionists who do a vital job. Sadly the RMT Leadership are not amongst them.

They will fail, and they may well drag their industry and their members down with them.



The Union's are going to use the ongoing trouble at air and sea ports during the summer holidays to their advantage, especially as the Government are sitting on the hands regarding the problems with airlines etc blaming overbooking as the problem ..................


I don't see how it's to the RMT's advantage.

Most people are informed enough to understand the difference between the reasons for and problems caused by staff shortages at airports and striking railway employees, and the various owners of responsibility for each.
Logged
Electric train
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4356


The future is 25000 Volts AC 750V DC has its place


View Profile
« Reply #138 on: June 11, 2022, 20:27:22 »

Whilst it may lead to further disruption in the short term I do hope TOCs (Train Operating Company)/NR» (Network Rail - home page) suspend overtime and rest day working during the dispute. If employees want to withdraw their labour then they shouldn't be given the opportunity to make up for lost earnings.

I'm actually surprised that the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) didn't opt for 'Action short of a strike' (i.e an overtime and rest day working ban) as that would have been far more effective as it is not so easy to plan against. More trains would run so the public wouldn't be quite so inconvenienced and it would not generate as much negative publicity.

Not dramatic enough for Lynch and his mob (see what I did there? ;-) ), their political agenda wants and needs the visible confrontation.

Negative publicity isn't something that bothers them, having just heard Lynch ranting on the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) that much is clear.

There are many decent Trade Unionists who do a vital job. Sadly the RMT Leadership are not amongst them.

They will fail, and they may well drag their industry and their members down with them.



The Union's are going to use the ongoing trouble at air and sea ports during the summer holidays to their advantage, especially as the Government are sitting on the hands regarding the problems with airlines etc blaming overbooking as the problem ..................


I don't see how it's to the RMT's advantage.

Most people are informed enough to understand the difference between the reasons for and problems caused by staff shortages at airports and striking railway employees, and the various owners of responsibility for each.

Ah but you see I am not talking about the reasonable average person on the Clapton Omnibus, the folks that have no rhyme or reason live in Westminster village ie the media and politicos
Logged

Starship just experienced what we call a rapid unscheduled disassembly, or a RUD, during ascent,”
broadgage
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5398



View Profile
« Reply #139 on: June 12, 2022, 05:38:17 »

"Agency staff could be used in place of strikers" According to press reports, the government are considering repealing a law that, at present prohibits use of agency workers to replace strikers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61773437
Logged

A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
Electric train
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4356


The future is 25000 Volts AC 750V DC has its place


View Profile
« Reply #140 on: June 12, 2022, 07:27:33 »

"Agency staff could be used in place of strikers" According to press reports, the government are considering repealing a law that, at present prohibits use of agency workers to replace strikers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61773437

This could lead to a real mess, if the dispute turns into attrition the Union's could start to 'black' anything operated, worked on, used ect by contractors, the employers would then threaten disciplinary which could result in walkouts like I side very messy.  The use of contractors will put many mangers in an awkward position as they will still have to interact with their teams when there are no strikes.

The Union's will use the 'P&O Ferries' inference against the Government and employers
Logged

Starship just experienced what we call a rapid unscheduled disassembly, or a RUD, during ascent,”
Timmer
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6293


View Profile
« Reply #141 on: June 12, 2022, 07:36:35 »

"Agency staff could be used in place of strikers" According to press reports, the government are considering repealing a law that, at present prohibits use of agency workers to replace strikers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61773437
That won’t end well if they do.
Logged
ellendune
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4452


View Profile
« Reply #142 on: June 12, 2022, 08:14:42 »

Not sure where they are going to find drivers with appropriate and up to date traction and route knowledge.  If they are going to use staff without that knowledge I am not going anywhere near a train. 
Logged
broadgage
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5398



View Profile
« Reply #143 on: June 12, 2022, 09:00:17 »

Not sure wherethey are going to find drivers with appropriate and up to date traction and route knowledge.  If they are going to use staff without that knowledge I am not going anywhere near a train. 

I agree, but I suspect that they were not thinking of drivers.
Platform staff, gateline staff, extra person needed on a 10 car IET (Intercity Express Train), and the like.
Unless of course it is a really long strike in which case they could train drivers.
Logged

A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
stuving
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 7156


View Profile
« Reply #144 on: June 12, 2022, 10:51:34 »

Not sure wherethey are going to find drivers with appropriate and up to date traction and route knowledge.  If they are going to use staff without that knowledge I am not going anywhere near a train. 

I agree, but I suspect that they were not thinking of drivers.
Platform staff, gateline staff, extra person needed on a 10 car IET (Intercity Express Train), and the like.
Unless of course it is a really long strike in which case they could train drivers.

From Friday's Times:
Quote
A source close to the Aslef union insisted that its actions were not comparable with the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers). "It is a different kind of union," the source said. "The RMT feel they are under an existential threat, which I understand, and they are striking to protect their members' jobs.
"What Aslef is doing is completely different. There are no redundancies of drivers proposed in any of the train operating companies. For the drivers it's simply about pay as many of them haven't had an increase since 2019."
Logged
eightf48544
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4574


View Profile Email
« Reply #145 on: June 12, 2022, 11:48:49 »

Whatever the merits of the unions case it seems to me that the government would welcome  the strikes as an excuse to down size the railways and decrease the deficit. 

It reminds me of the prelude to the 1984 of the miners strike

It's going to get messy.
Logged
Electric train
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4356


The future is 25000 Volts AC 750V DC has its place


View Profile
« Reply #146 on: June 12, 2022, 20:44:38 »

Not sure wherethey are going to find drivers with appropriate and up to date traction and route knowledge.  If they are going to use staff without that knowledge I am not going anywhere near a train. 

I agree, but I suspect that they were not thinking of drivers.
Platform staff, gateline staff, extra person needed on a 10 car IET (Intercity Express Train), and the like.
Unless of course it is a really long strike in which case they could train drivers.

You are forgetting NR» (Network Rail - home page) signallers, Electrical Control Room staff, Mobile Ops staff etc. there are not contractors that supply these skills 

There are some tasks that maintenance do that potentially could be done by contractors but even this will be difficult to cover for example many S&T (Signalling and Telegraph) contractors do not hold SMTH, the same fof a number of PWay maintenance competencies, OLE (Overhead Line Equipment, more often "OHLE") maintenance competencies, Electrical Power maintenance competencies.

All of the above are maintenance competency are a requirement of the ORR» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) (the railway equivalent of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive)) for NR to operate a railway, so unless the Government overwrite these requirements it could be difficult to bring in contractors. 

It is political hype on the part of the Government, the Unions know this and I suspect senior Exc leaders know it as well
Logged

Starship just experienced what we call a rapid unscheduled disassembly, or a RUD, during ascent,”
TaplowGreen
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 7750



View Profile
« Reply #147 on: July 13, 2022, 20:33:12 »

Here we go again.......

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62154070
Logged
Clan Line
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 858



View Profile
« Reply #148 on: July 15, 2022, 10:59:51 »

I am starting to get the feeling that the railway strikes are not having the huge effects that the Unions hoped/predicted. The media are trying to hype things up as much as possible (as expected) but the general public doesn't seem that bothered.
Two years of Covid disruption and all that went with it seem to have taught the public/business/industry how to get by reasonably well, with or without a "normal" train service. In fact many people are relishing the opportunity to "work from home" again. Perhaps Arthur Scargill appearing on the picket line was not a good omen for the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers).......he called an all out strike at completely the wrong time too. 
Logged
IndustryInsider
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 10096


View Profile
« Reply #149 on: July 15, 2022, 11:16:09 »

Bit too early to say either way if you ask me.  Mick Lynch was widely admired for his media performance - totally nullifying even the most seasoned journalist - and doing his cause no harm at all.  But the longer it goes on…
Logged

To view my GWML (Great Western Main Line) Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/
Do you have something you would like to add to this thread, or would you like to raise a new question at the Coffee Shop? Please [register] (it is free) if you have not done so before, or login (at the top of this page) if you already have an account - we would love to read what you have to say!

You can find out more about how this forum works [here] - that will link you to a copy of the forum agreement that you can read before you join, and tell you very much more about how we operate. We are an independent forum, provided and run by customers of Great Western Railway, for customers of Great Western Railway and we welcome railway professionals as members too, in either a personal or official capacity. Views expressed in posts are not necessarily the views of the operators of the forum.

As well as posting messages onto existing threads, and starting new subjects, members can communicate with each other through personal messages if they wish. And once members have made a certain number of posts, they will automatically be admitted to the "frequent posters club", where subjects not-for-public-domain are discussed; anything from the occasional rant to meetups we may be having ...

 
Pages: 1 ... 8 9 [10] 11
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.2 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
This forum is provided by customers of Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western), and the views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that the content provided by one of our posters contravenes our posting rules (email link to report). Forum hosted by Well House Consultants

Jump to top of pageJump to Forum Home Page